Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is free assistance that is funded and awarded by the federal government. The Pell Grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA and current enrollment.

Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree-seeking program leading to a first bachelor’s degree and meet all other eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for full-time students (12 credits or more) for 2015-2016 is scheduled to be $5,775. Awards for students enrolled less than full time will be prorated.

Students will be able to receive a Pell Grant for a maximum of 12 full-time semesters.

The National Student Loan Data System has information about your federal student loans and Pell Grant awards. You may view your Pell Grant balance for all institutions attended by logging into www.NSLDS.ed.gov. You will need your federal PIN to access this information.

Note: The maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part time in college at the time of your parent or guardian's death. The Department of Education will decide who is eligible for this award, NOT UMUC. Please make sure to complete the FAFSA and use our school code of 011644.

What is a Pell Grant?

Please Note:

If your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification or there is a change in your enrollment, your Federal Pell Grant award may change.

You are no longer eligible for the Pell Grant once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree.

You cannot receive a Pell grant at more than one institution within the same academic term.